TRANSFER GOSSIP: MAN UTD EYE CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENDER, NEWCASTLE RIVAL CHELSEA FOR £30M TARGET

Diogo Dalot has been one of Manchester United’s best players this season, with the defender finally proving Jose Mourinho’s point. But Erik ten Hag is still looking to sign another right-back in January…

Ten Hag has little in the way of cover for Dalot, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka obviously not fancied by the United boss, or the two previous managers. So the Red Devils are on the hunt for some depth at right-back, while Dalot’s contract situation could leave him free to talk to foreign clubs in January, though United retain the option to extend his current terms for a further 12 months.

The Sun reckons Max Aarons is among United’s targets. The Norwich right-back seemed to be one of the most in-demand players of 2020, when Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Roma were among the clubs sniffing around the defender. But no move materialised and the 22-year-old remains at Carrow Road.

Apparently, Borussia Monchengladbach, Atalanta and Monza all made enquiries this summer but Norwich chose to keep hold of Aarons, who is now valued at between £10million and £15million, depending on which source you choose to believe.

Jeremie Frimpong has also been linked with United in recent weeks and months and the Bayer Leverkusen defender is also said to be high on Ten Hag’s list of targets.

Apparently, the Blues could look to reinforce Graham Potter’s defence to add some cover and competition for Reece James, who is currently fighting to be fit for the World Cup.

High on Chelsea’s list of possible targets is Nelson Semedo. The Wolves defender has had injury problems of his own this season but the 28-year-old’s experience of playing in back fours and fives makes him an attractive option for Potter.

TOON TARGET TROSSARD The Chelsea boss is also ‘desperate’ to raid his former club once more to bring Leandro Trossard to Stamford Bridge.

The Belgium attacker has been in brilliant form this season, scoring 12 goals and creating two more in 12 Premier League appearances.

Trossard reminded Potter of his quality on Saturday when he scored the opener in Brighton’s 4-1 battering of the Blues at the AmEx. But Chelsea will have competition should they move for the 27-year=old.

The Northern Echo says Newcastle are keen to bring Trossard north in January, when he will enter the final 18 months of his contract at Brighton. The Seagulls are keen to agree a renewal but the attacker is currently valued at around £30million if he decides to explore his options elsewhere.